EP 2 FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS from www.EdgeProp.my

First lifestyle mall in set to open Site-clearing at Taman Rimba Kiara begins mid-November The first regional lifestyle shop- Residents in ping mall in Bintulu, will (TTDI), are “outraged” open its doors to shoppers by mid- to discover that clearing work has November 2018. begun at Taman Rimba Kiara (TRK), Dubbed , the marking the start of the proposed mall has currently achieved 70% high-rise development that is still tenancy. Among the key tenants pending a court hearing. are , MBO Cinemas and Ta Property developer Memang Kiong Supermarket, according to Perkasa Sdn Bhd had started to The Spring Management Services remove trees to clear the upper (Bintulu) Sdn Bhd in a statement section of TRK on Wednesday af- following the unveiling of key ten- ternoon. According to the develop- but Wednesday’s actions indicate A judicial review for the pro- ants recently. ment notice board, the site will see that landowner Yayasan Wilayah posed development in TRK has its the construction of an aff ordable Persekutuan and the developer are case management set on April 18, housing scheme that is part of the deaf to the views of the TTDI com- 2018. The proposed development The Edge Property Sdn Bhd (1091814-P) controversial high-rise residential munity and residents, said Save involves the building of eight Level 3, Menara KLK, development proposed at the park. TRK lead strategist and coordina- blocks of 42- and 52-storey high- No 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara The TTDI community has tor Leon Koay in a joint statement end serviced apartments (1,766 Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, , clearly expressed its objections by TTDI Residents Association and units) and a 30-storey aff ordable to the proposed development, Save TRK. housing block (350 units). EdgeProp.my It expects to open the mall with Managing Director/Editor-in-chief Au Foong Yee 90% occupancy in November. The launch last Saturday (March 10), homes with land areas of 20ft by Colony’s unique monochrome de- mall is also expected to attract an with homebuyers lining up at the 70ft and 20ft by 75ft, each with built- sign and signature chic interior. EDITORIAL estimated three million visitors in sales gallery a day prior. ups of 1,964 sq ft and containing four Aside from meeting rooms, there Executive Editor Sharon Kam Editor Lam Jian Wyn its fi rst year. The double-storey terraced house bedrooms and three bathrooms. will be nap rooms, nursing rooms, Deputy Chief Copy Editor Set at a sea-front premium lo- collection named Elata Nova at Setia Prices for the terraced homes start massage rooms, kids’ areas and James Chong cation in the city centre, the RM245 Tropika is targeted to be completed from RM701,800, translating into a an in-house cafe among its facil- Copy Editor Geraldine Tan million project off ers a total retail by mid-2020, said S P Setia general GDV of RM66.1 million. ities. The total investment cost of Senior Writer Rachel Chew space of about 390,000 sq ft, which manager (property south) Saniman Colony@KLEC is RM4.6 million. Writers Natalie Khoo, will be able to accommodate up to Amat Yusof. Colony to open Colony’s fi rst offi ce, Colony@KLCC Shawn Ng, Lum Ka Kay 127 retail outlets. The mall is co- “Just like the previous sold-out located in Jalan Kia Peng, had Art Director Sharon Khoh second space at KL Design Team owned by Sarawak Land (Kemena Elata Vita collection, which was opened in July last year. Jun Kit, Rajita Sivan Park) Sdn Bhd and Benlong Realty launched last year, Elata Nova @ Eco City According to Tiah, KL Eco City

For New Launches/Events/ Sdn Bhd. Setia Tropika is the perfect choice Luxury co-working space Colony is is located in the heart of what is Press Releases/News Tips for those within the Gen-Y age group set to open its second space at KL considered the New Golden Trian- email: [email protected] Elata Nova @ Setia looking for starter homes, as its con- Eco City in June, said Colony Space gle with an integrated rail system Tel: 03-7721 8211 Fax: 03-7721 8280 Tropika almost 90% temporary design gives the homes a Asia co-founder and executive direc- comprising Abdullah Hukum LRT ADVERTISING & MARKETING modernistic twist yet remains func- tor Timothy Tiah. Station and KL Eco City KTM Station, Associate Account Director, sold at launch tional for young family living,” he Dubbed Colony@KLEC, the over- new link bridges and ramps access- Advertising & Marketing Heidee Ahmad (019) 388 1880 S P Setia Bhd’s Elata Nova @ Setia added. 20,000 sq ft space is spread across ing the Federal Highway and New Senior Account Manager Tropika, Bahru recorded a The landed development com- fi ve fl oors. It can accommodate an Pantai Expressway as well as a two- Ian Leong (012) 359 1668 take-up rate of close to 90% at its prises 93 units of double-storey estimated 300 guests and will feature tier internal road system. Account Managers Khairul Amilin Ismail (019) 426 5101 Joane Tan (012) 377 2885 Maddox Wong (012) 342 2707 How do I get past issues of this weekly pullout? Joyceline Tan (012) 693 5826 trending Go to www.EdgeProp.my to download for free. Marketing Support & Ad Trafˎ c now Madeline Tan (03) 7721 8218 email: [email protected]

NEGOTIATOR & CUSTOMER If you have any real estate-related events, email us at [email protected]. ADVISORY SERVICE LAUNCHES + EVENTS Events listed here will also appear on www.EdgeProp.my. Senior Manager Elizabeth Lay Senior Associate Stannly Tan Paramount Property Aman Property Gallery, 2, Havana- For enquiries and listings Interstate Ride Persiaran Aman Perdana 3, themed email: [email protected] GL: (03) 7721 8175/ 8172 Date: March 18 (Sun) Bandar Tropicana Aman, Telok grand Time: 6.45am to 3pm Panglima Garang, Selangor launch EdgeProp.my pullout is published Venue: Outlet Contact: (1700) 81 8868 of Ativo by The Edge Property Sdn Bhd. It is available with The Edge Financial Mall, 733, Jalan Cassia Barat Tropicana Corp Bhd is Suites by Daily every Friday. The pullout 2, Bandar Cassia, special early-bird discounts to organising complimentary TA Global is also distributed at more than Contact: (04) 506 0350 the fi rst 50 homebuyers. Prices yoga sessions for the public. Bhd. There 200 ofˎ ces, shopping complexes, condos, medical centres, F&B outlets Paramount Property, in for the double-storey homes Please bring your own mat. will be an and LRT stations in the Klang Valley. collaboration with Majlis are priced from RM649,000. acrobatic You can also download it for free at SkyWorld’s KidzCity www.EdgeProp.my Perbandaran Seberang and lion dance, G Club, is organising an inaugural MAPEX 2018 Date: March 17 and 18 health interstate cycling ride (for 160km Date: March 16 to 18 (Fri to Sun) (Sat and Sun) corner, adults’ and kids’ Th e Edge Malaysia and 80km) this Sunday. Members of Time: 10am to 10pm Time: 9am to 5pm workshops and a party corner. the public are welcome to support Venue: Setia City Mall, Seksyen Venue: SkyWorld Gallery @ Publisher and Group CEO the event as well as to pay a 14, Shah Alam, Selangor , 17899, Jalan Ayer Jerneh, ID sharing session Ho Kay Tat visit to the Utropolis Contact: (03) 7806 4853 Taman Ayer Panas, Kuala Lumpur Date: March 18 (Sun)

EDITORIAL sales gallery to view the newly The Real Estate and Housing Contact: (03) 4031 2999 Time: 2pm to 3pm Editor-in-Chief Azam Aris completed show units of Suasana, Developers’ Association Selangor SkyWorld’s KidzCity is here! Get Venue: The private clubhouse CORPORATE a freehold serviced apartment branch is having its fi fth Malaysia ready for a fun-fi lled weekend for at Sky Condominium @ Chief Operating Ofˎ cer Lim Shiew Yuin development in Batu Kawan. Property Expo (MAPEX) this your children as they learn about Bandar Puchong Jaya, ADVERTISING & MARKETING year, featuring more than 2,700 real-life jobs and get practical Persiaran Puchong Jaya Chief Commercial Ofˎ cer Preview of S P Setia’s Vallaris properties with prices starting training too. Visit www.skyarena. Selatan, Bandar Puchong Sharon Teh (012) 313 9056 Date: March 17 (Sat) from RM262,000. Admission is free. com.my/kidzcity to register. Jaya, Puchong, Selangor General Manager Kingston Low (012) 278 5540 Time: 10am to 6pm Contact: (03) 8947 8899 Senior Sales Managers Venue: Setia Eco Gardens, Yoga at Tropicana Aman Grand launch of Ativo Suites IOI Properties Group Bhd will Fong Lai Kuan (012) 386 2831 Pejabat Tapak, Lot 2110, K.M Date: March 17 and 18 Date: March 17 (Sat) be hosting an event where Gregory Thu (012) 376 0614 Creative Marketing 5.5, Jalan Gelang Patah-Ulu (Sat and Sun) Time: 2pm to 7pm the design director of Sky Chris Wong (016) 687 6577 Choh, Johor Bahru, Johor Time: 8.30am Venue: Damansara Avenue Sales Condominium @ Bandar Head of Marketing Support Contact: (07) 555 5525 to 9.30am; Gallery, Persiaran Perdana, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Phuay Ching, & Ad Trafˎ c S P Setia Bhd is having a preview 10am to 11am Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur will be sharing tips on interior Lorraine Chan (03) 7721 8001 of its Vallaris eco homes collection Venue: Contact: (1800) 88 8082 design for your home. Seats are at Setia Eco Gardens, off ering Tropicana Witness and celebrate a Tropical limited, so register online now. FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP 3 NEWS First semidees and bungalows in Eco Grandeur set to be launched

LOW YEN YEING | EdgeProp.my BY NATALIE KHOO to 1,500 sq ft built-up each by the middle of next year. It saw its fi rst tenant, the INK PUNCAK ALAM: Eco World Development Library Cafe, in July last year. Group Bhd will be rolling out the fi rst phase Launched in 2016, the 1,400-acre Eco of semidees and bungalows at Eco Grandeur, Grandeur township developed in tandem Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor in 2Q18. with the adjacent Eco Business Park V — Dubbed Norton Garden, this phase com- EcoWorld’s fi rst gated-and-guarded green prises 773 units of semidees, bungalows business park — has an estimated total GDV and garden homes, the latter which will be of RM9 billion. launched later. It is also the fi rst residential The township is accessible via five phase in the township to have full-fl edged major highways — the Guthrie Corridor clubhouse facilities. The entire Norton Expressway, Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Garden will have a GDV of RM850 million. Ho (right) and Expressway, North-South Expressway and Th e bungalows will have built-ups from Tiong at the Eco two upcoming highways currently un- 2,959 sq ft to 3,466 sq ft with an indicative Grandeur show der construction, namely the proposed selling price from RM1.4 million, while gallery with a Damansara-Shah Alam Expressway and the semidees will have built-ups from model of Norton the West Coast Expressway, which will be 2,159 sq ft to 2,670 sq ft indicatively priced Garden completed by 2019. Other major roads in- from RM980,000. Th e garden homes will have clude Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari, Jalan Meru built-ups from 1,973 sq ft to 2,142 sq ft but She added that some people living in the currently under construction and set to Tambahan and Jalan Kuala Selangor. prices have yet to be determined. area are also looking to step up from their complete by 2020,” Ho added. UiTM, or Meanwhile, Eco Grandeur assistant man- “We will be launching around 160 units existing homes to a more wholesome and Universiti Teknologi MARA, is located just ager Tiong Siow Yin added that there are of bungalows and semidees fi rst as we see secured environment with a good range of 10 minutes’ drive away. educational institutions nearby such as the the demand from those already living in facilities. Th e double-storey homes sport a modern Saujana Utama secondary school, SJK(C) the vicinity. This is the first time the township is Victorian concept design and a 20ft back Kuang primary school and SMK Puncak “When we launched the fi rst homes at Eco launching residential units that have built- garden. Each unit will also have a balcony Alam Fasa 2 and 3. Grandeur in 2016 — the Avenham Garden up sizes of 2,000 sq ft and above, she told on the top fl oor that is accessible via louvre “We are also in talks with Brainy Bunch and Graham Garden terraced and garden EdgeProp.my. Norton Garden is expected doors from the bedroom. International Islamic Montessori and an- homes — some of the purchasers had asked to be completed by end-2020. Meanwhile, the township is set to see the other international school, which we hope for bigger units,” said Eco Grandeur divisional “We are also targeting the incoming pro- completion of Grandeur Lab, a retail area that to be able to reveal the details in the next general manager Ho Kwee Hong. fessional staff of UiTM Hospital, which is comprises 10 to 15 retail blocks of 1,000 sq ft few months,” said Tiong.

DEALMAKERS How real estate turned his life around

BY RACHEL CHEW In 2007, Th o decided to once again start people and close bigger deals. A year and The Hartamas OUG branch had also his own business. It failed after two years. a half later, I cleared my debt and my boss gained 100% annual revenue growth in 2016 ife was like a box of choco- “I was in a lot of debt, partly because off ered me the opportunity to open my own and 50% revenue growth in 2017. “Money lates. You never know what of the business and partly because of the branch,” he says. simply will not drop from the sky. Real estate you’re going to get.” This stock trading. I had only RM5,000 in sav- Coincidentally, he was also offered a is something essential in both good and bad popular quote from the ings. I tried to fi gure out how to pay off my similar opportunity by two other agencies times — you need to fi nd the market gap, movie Forrest Gump very debt. Th e only thing I could think of were — one of which was Hartamas Real Estate. be focused and be sensitive to changes in aptly describes Desmond commission-based jobs such as being an “When I fi rst stepped into Hartamas Real buyer behaviour. “LTho’s journey in real estate. insurance agent, direct selling and property Estate’s headquarters, it looked nothing like “Most importantly, to all negotiators, “When you have a wife and two grow- agent,” he recalls. the conventional shoplot agency. It is a don’t take this job as ‘just another sales ing kids and your business is failing with a He chose the latter. “I had tried insurance corporation with proper meeting job’. It is a profession that provides six-digit debt when you’re only 30-something, and direct selling and they did not really rooms and even a gym room for solutions and service to both prop- you have two ways to fi nd quick money — rob work out so I put all my hope in real estate.” the staff . I was impressed. I never erty buyers and sellers,” Th o advises. the bank or do some commission-based job,” thought a real estate agency can says Th o, the director of Hartamas Real Estate A fresh start be anything like a corporation. (OUG) Sdn Bhd. And since the former was not Th e fi rst month was tough for Th o, as there I also liked the agency’s busi- an option, he became a real estate negotiator. was no one to guide him. “Back in 2009, the ness development direction,” You need to ˎ nd Looking back, Th o seems amused by those industry was still conservative and negotia- he says, adding that the posi- diffi cult times. After taking a hospitality and tors or agents were often left on their own, tive impression led him to join the market gap, catering course in 1996, he became a bakery especially newbies like me. And because I the agency from that very first be focused and outlet supervisor. couldn’t aff ord to fail yet another time, I put meeting. “I like food, so I chose the F&B industry. in my 100% eff ort,” he says. Th ree months later, be sensitive to I applied to be a pastry chef after graduat- To build his network, he attended almost the Hartamas Real Es- changes in buyer ing but I was off ered to be the bakery outlet every free real estate-related seminars and tate (OUG) branch behaviour.” supervisor instead. I decided to take on the talks in town. “I had no other way to gain was open for busi- challenge,” he recalls. He did well and, af- industry knowledge or widen my network. ness in 2013 with — Tho ter a few years, ventured out on his own as Th is is the cheapest and most effi cient way only 11 negotia- a pastry brand franchisor. I could think of.” tors. By early 2018, “But the business didn’t work out so I He was happy to close his fi rst deal in the it had grown to 46 returned to my ex-company and stayed for second month although it was a co-broking negotiators, with 12 another six years. It was a fairly stable job rental deal and his commission was only of them already hav- but I needed more to support my growing RM300. But that was the turning point. ing earned accolades family, so I did other jobs in between, dab- “I started to see hope in the third month. as the group’s top sales bling in insurance and direct sales. I also I realised it is a very fair industry, where you agents and negotiators did some stock trading,” he says. reap what you sow. I began to know more in 2017.

LOW YEN YEING | EdgeProp.my EP 4 FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY COVER STORY SENTUL EdgeProp.my CONTINUES ITS UPSWING YEN YEING ALL PICTURES BY LOW |

YTL Land’s projects such as The Capers (building on the left) and The Fennel (right) as well as other new developments are changing the skyline of Sentul.

THE EDGE BY SHAWN NG opment of non-landed homes, commercial offi c- located at Sentul Point, a mixed development by es and retail outlets over phases, as well as the UOA Development Bhd. itting north of Kuala Lumpur city cen- establishment of the Kuala Lumpur Performing “With the upcoming projects made up mainly tre, Sentul has seen its non-landed res- Arts Centre and Sentul Park, which is now an es- of high-rises, the skyline of Sentul continues to be idential properties perform well over tablished landmark in Sentul. transformed with modern and attractive building the years, showing steady growth in As Hartamas Real Estate (OUG) Sdn Bhd senior facades,” says Hong. Th ey will add to the existing values. Data collated by EdgeProp.my real estate negotiator Joycelin Yap points out, YTL non-landed housing supply, which totals about showed Sentul’s best-performing Land’s projects such as Th e Fennel at Sentul East 5,848 units as at end-2017. Snon-landed residential property in the first nine have changed the perception of many homebuyers months of 2017 (9M17) by average transacted and investors towards Sentul, leading to greater An affordable place price psf was The Capers. It registered an aver- demand by buyers and tenants, thus elevating Besides the redevelopment by YTL Land, an- age price of RM633 psf based on 11 transactions property values and the image of Sentul in general. other reason for the strong price appreciation of recorded during the period. This was followed Completed only last year, Th e Fennel is a free- non-landed homes in Sentul could be the relatively by The Saffron at RM620 psf and The Tamarind hold luxury condominium development along Hong: Sentul will lower price points of the non-landed residences at RM545 psf, with nine and 11 transactions re- Jalan Sentul. It consists of 916 units in four 38-sto- not be short of new here compared with similar properties in nearby spectively. All three projects are by YTL Land & rey towers that sport a unique asymmetric design launches in the future localities such as , , Wangsa Development Bhd, which has been redeveloping with full glass facades. especially in Sentul Maju and Gombak. parts of Sentul since 2002. Pasar. The locality According to Hong, non-landed homes in Overall, the average transacted price of Incoming supply Sentul are generally considered affordable by non-landed homes in Sentul was RM459 psf over Sentul can generally be divided into two sections. On is poised to be an Kuala Lumpur standards as most projects are 9M17, with 66 transactions recorded. Th e highest the north side of the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway emerging hot spot. priced below RM500 psf on the average, with the average transacted price achieved since 2012 had (DUKE) is Sentul Pasar, which comprises old landed been RM565 psf in 3Q17. Th is was an increase of dwellings, while on the south side of the highway is 22.03% y-o-y from RM463 psf in 3Q16 and 58.71% Sentul Raya, made up of newer and more modern over fi ve years from RM356 psf in 3Q12. high-rise residential and commercial buildings. Th e transacted prices of units in the other Th e regeneration in the southern parts of Sentul projects — including 1 Sentul, Pelangi Con- has taken most of the limelight in recent times dominium, Pangsapuri Mawar, Menara Orkid, but the spillover eff ect on the Sentul Pasar area is Pangsapuri Villa Angkasa, Sentul Utama Condo- becoming more apparent, says PA International minium, Sri Suajaya Condominium, Anjung Villa, Property Consultants Sdn Bhd managing direc- Villa Mutiara Serviced Apartment and Bayu Sentul tor Jerome Hong. — ranged from RM218 psf to RM522 psf over 9M17. Indeed, in the last two years, new high-rise Th ere is no denying that one of the main driv- developments have mushroomed around Sentul ers of growth in Sentul is the urban renewal in- Pasar. According to PA International’s estimate, as itiative undertaken by YTL Land. Introduced in at end-2017, the incoming supply of non-landed 2002, YTL Land’s urban renewal plan is made up residential properties in Sentul Pasar is at 5,411 of Sentul East and Sentul West. Th e two are divid- units while new planned supply is about 300 units. ed by the existing Sentul KTM Komuter Station Th e incoming supply will come mainly from four and tracks. Th e redevelopment aims to embody projects — namely Sky Awani Residensi, One the spirit of urban renewal while preserving the Maxim, Sentul Point and M Centura — which heritage and charm of the area, which was once are expected to be completed in the next three an early settlement for low- to mid-income rail to four years. transport workers and their families that can be Meanwhile, the 300 condominium units in the traced back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. Th e pipeline will be from RUMAWIP, or the Feder- The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is now an established landmark in redevelopment master plan involves the devel- al Territories Aff ordable Housing Scheme, to be Sentul. FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP 5 COVER STORY

Incoming supply of non-landed homes Average price psf and transaction in Sentul Pasar in the next three years volume of non-landed homes in Sentul

Transaction price (RM psf) Transaction volume Project Development type Developer Launch date / Built-up Launch price No. of 600 120 target completion (sq ft) (RM psf) units

Sky Awani Aff ordable housing SkyWorld 2015 / 2019 800 375 1,226 500 100 Residensi development under Development RUMAWIP Sdn Bhd 400 80 One Maxim Mixed development Maxim 2016 / 2020 650 - 844 474 - 525 420 comprising serviced Holdings Sdn 300 60 apartments and Bhd retail spaces 200 40

Sentul 2016 / 2020 721 - 1,109 603 - 647 700 Average transaction price Point 100 20 (Block B) – Phase 1 0 0 1Q’17 1Q’13 1Q’15 1Q’16 1Q’14 2Q’17 3Q’17 3Q’12 2Q’13 2Q’15 2Q’16 4Q’12 3Q’13 2Q’14 3Q’15 3Q’16 4Q’13 3Q’14 4Q’15 4Q’16 Sentul Mixed development 2016 / 2020 721 - 1,109 635 - 683 700 4Q’14 UOA Point comprising suite EDGEPROP.MY Development (Block C) – apartments and Bhd Phase 1 commercial spaces

Sentul 2017 / 2020 700 - 1,152 681 - 706 952 Point Pros and cons of living in Sentul (Block A) – Phase 2 Pros Cons M Centura Condominium Mah Sing 2017 / 2021 646 - 1,001 523 - 536 1,413 development Group Bhd Regeneration in the area Safety and security issues – is creating a more modern Sentul is still identifi ed with a Total incoming supply 5,411 and vibrant place with better large squatter population and as a PA INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS infrastructure and public railway residential area. transportation. The low-cost areas come with its The skyline of Sentul is set to be usual social stigma. Growth factors in Sentul transformed with modern and attractive facades. Congested due to heavy traffi c particularly along the main Location Ongoing regeneration Properties in Sentul are still roads. There are limited new or Strategically situated only 5km The area is supported by considered aff ordable considering alternative routes leading up to from improved road and rail its location near the city centre, Jalan Sentul and Jalan Sentul infrastructure; wide range with good prospects for future Pasar. of amenities augurs well for property price growth. Accessibility its future appreciation Well connected to the city centre and other conurbations within the Klang Valley via Aff ordability public transit system Non-landed homes generally RM priced below RM500 psf

SOURCE: PA INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS SOURCE: PA INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

HARTAMAS REAL ESTATE exception of selected projects by YTL Land, which Furthermore, Sentul’s location, which is just ing LRT and the upcoming MRT stations,” he says. have breached the RM650 psf mark. 5km away from the city centre, and its accessibil- Th e area has long attracted budget-conscious “Such medium-end category of housing prod- ity via public transportation — such as the Sen- working executives or young couples who work ucts continue to be well received despite the high tul Timur LRT (Light Rail Transit) Station, Sentul in Kuala Lumpur city centre and fi rst-time home- supply pipeline,” notes Hong. KTM Station and the upcoming Sentul West MRT buyers. However, a number of new homeowners Nevertheless, he raises some concerns over the (Mass Rapid Transit) Station and via roads such in Sentul are the younger generation of current infl ux of new developments, particularly large-scale as the DUKE, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Tun Razak and residents who prefer to stay in the same area as integrated projects like Sentul Point, One Maxim the Middle Ring Road 2 — will continue to stand it their parents or families. and M Centura. in good stead. Th e Sentul West MRT Station of the “It is not uncommon for parents to help their “If these developments are occupied in the fu- upcoming MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang- children get on the property ladder by buying ture, better public transportation will be required Line will be located at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah. It houses close to them or in nearby localities so that to cope with the heavier traffi c volume in Sentul, is expected to be completed in July 2022. they are within easy reach of their families,” Hong particularly along the main roads which are already “Th e slowdown in the overall property market says, adding that the majority of such buyers focus facing congestion especially during peak hours. in 2017 has signifi cantly aff ected demand for prop- Yap: Perhaps on the vicinity of Sentul Pasar, particularly off or “Th e area is congested because there are lim- erties in Kuala Lumpur city. However, the decline it won’t be along Jalan Sentul Pasar. ited new or alternative routes leading up to Jalan for apartments and condominiums in Sentul was conspicuous On the contrary, property investors would focus Sentul and Jalan Sentul Pasar. Safety and security insignifi cant as there were still many purchasers within a short on developments close to public transportation, are also a concern,” he says. in this area buying properties for their own stay. period, but Sentul especially those within walking distances to LRT, Nevertheless, he believes that overall, properties The main draw was because Sentul is so near MRT or KTM stations, which are largely within in Sentul off er potential for future capital apprecia- Kuala Lumpur city centre with easy access to KLCC, will certainly Sentul Raya. tion as the area continues to undergo regeneration, Petaling Jaya and KL Sentral,” says Yap, who is fa- become another Hartamas’ Yap suggests that those looking to supported by improved road and rail infrastruc- miliar with the area. gem in the Kuala settle down in Sentul should keep an eye out for ture, as well as a wider range of amenities such as Lumpur area. new projects that off er very low or even zero entry malls. “Sentul will not be short of new launches Demand focus costs, attractive incentives and rebates. in the future especially in Sentul Pasar. Th e local- Although YTL Land’s projects in Sentul have raised “For investors, they should consider old condo- ity is poised to be an emerging hot spot,” he adds. the benchmark for luxury living in the area, the miniums or apartments located in strategic loca- Hartamas Real Estate’s Yap also foresees greater overall population profi le in the locality continues tions or close to the LRT and MRT stations. Th ey vibrancy in Sentul, which will have a positive impact to be dominated by the low-middle- to middle-in- could purchase these aff ordably-priced properties on property prices and rental growth. “Perhaps it come groups, notes Hong. and lease them out to earn a stable rental income won’t be conspicuous within a short period, but “Sentul is a ready secondary market where de- after refurbishing the houses. Th ese old units can Sentul will certainly become another gem in the mand for aff ordable homes continues to exceed off er decent rental returns, enough to off set instal- Kuala Lumpur area,” she says. supply, particularly those located near the exist- ment and maintenance costs,” she shares.

EP 8 FRIDAY MARCH 16, 2018 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FEATURE ‘Your dream home is not necessarily your ideal home’

BY NATALIE KHOO

sk a child what kind of house he or she wants to live in and you may probably get a reply that they want a place with a large play area indoors and a playground Aoutside. If the same question is posed to a fresh graduate or a newly married couple, perhaps they will say their ideal home is one located in areas with good accessibility so they can travel to work with ease, and of course at a price tag that would not break the bank. And if you were a grandparent who wishes What is the favourite part of your home? to see your children and grandchildren as often as possible, your ideal home may be a big bungalow where every member of the family can live comfortably together. Suffi ce to say, the idea of an “ideal home” varies for diff erent people. For EdgeProp.my’s managing director and editor-in-chief Au Foong Yee, an ideal home is not necessarily one’s dream home, and vice versa. “Frustration often sets in when one is unable to live out a dream. So, I tend to be a realist who stays optimistic at the same time. I believe in cutting my clothes accord- Datuk Khor Chap Jen ing to the cloth I have. Being able to sleep at night is important to me. Ultimately, home My favourite part of the home is where the heart is — where one fi nds love Au Foong Yee is the dining area because it and tranquillity. Frills and luxury will be a It would be a toss between has become a place to connect bonus,” says Au. the kitchen island and my Thierry Legrand with family members. In this As for Lafarge Malaysia’s president and bedroom. The former because The living room where the fast-paced life that we live in, CEO Thierry Legrand, an ideal home is a place where he can feel really comfort- that’s where the family gathers family gathers. Home is where sharing a family meal together able in. while the latter is my haven. our loved ones are. can be a rare aff air for some. “Our home is the single biggest invest- ment in our lifetime for the majority of us. It is therefore crucial that our home is well “Technology enables homebuyers to be built and designed, taking into account better informed in their choices. Th ey want what is most important to us and our loved to be engaged and have more say in what ones. For me, my ideal home is a chalet in their fi nal house will look like,” Legrand the mountains,” shares Legrand. shares. Both Legrand and Au believe that every Meanwhile, S P Setia president and CEO homebuyer expects his or her ideal home Datuk Khor Chap Jen has observed that to be of good building quality, durable and homebuyers today give much emphasis sustainable. Over time, connectivity and to connectivity when choosing a home, as convenience have become more important many prefer to live in locations that allow to homebuyers as well. them to get to and from work in the fastest is our Starter Home series, Careya, which “Accessibility, building quality and sus- time possible. off ered 93 units of 20ft by 65ft 2-storey ter- Turn your ideal tainability are key as property prices contin- While it is the wish of many to own an raced homes in Setia Alam — all of which ue to climb, way ahead of the aff ordability ideal home in an ideal location, perhaps were snapped up within three hours of being home into reality of many,” Au adds. one of the biggest challenges would be the launched early this year,” he shares. While we all have our preferences, cost of owning one. And because aff ordability is a major chal- All of us have an ideal home in there may be some characteristics of an “Naturally, homebuyers are on the look- lenge, homebuyers have to decide on the our minds, but how often does it ideal home that we all share. But what out for a property that matches their needs elements in a home that are most important ever translate into brick and mor- are they? To fi nd out, EdgeProp.my and and expectations in terms of amenities, a to them, says Legrand, while Au reminds all tar? Now is your chance! Share Lafarge Malaysia have initiated La- conducive environment and at a preferred to be realistic in considering one’s budget. farge-EdgeProp MYHOME, which gives location. “A wishlist is not quite the same as a must- what your ideal home is in the Malaysians the opportunity to co-cre- “In Klang Valley in particular, purchas- have list,” she reiterates. Lafarge-EdgeProp MYHOME sur- ate their ideal home. All they have to do ers are now open to the concept of living in “With Lafarge-EdgeProp MYHOME, we vey and the results of the survey is answer 28 questions in a survey and where the prices of set out to develop the inspired HOME for will form the basis of homes to the results will be used as the basis for homes are more in line with their budget. everyday Malaysians. We name this initiative be built by S P Setia Bhd. Go to the design of homes that will be built by Any developer that manages to cater to these to truly refl ect the emotional connections to Malaysia’s top developer S P Setia Bhd. Sup- demands will be able to get a good response a home. Th e idea is to work hand-in-hand www.EdgeProp.my/MYHOME to porters for the initiative are Nippon Paint in terms of take-up rates,” says Khor. with Malaysians to design and ultimately take part in the survey. The survey Malaysia, Panasonic Malaysia, Feruni and Nevertheless, he says demand is clearly build a quality home that incorporates your closes on March 31. Lightcraft. Th e survey runs until March 31. present for landed homes. “A good example inputs,” says Legrand.

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